Days had gone by since Lily started staying at the Wyverns' home. She had begun looking around the village in search of her friend, Sarah, but her efforts were in vain. No one seemed to know or care much about Sarah, feeling alienated with few stares and judgement by the people in the village, Lily felt increasingly hopeless.
The only thing she can only count on was the phone she had retrieved from her wet clothes the morning after her first night there, although its battery is dead, it was of no use, anyway.
"I still can't believe this is happening... maybe there's no way to return back home after all..." Lily sighed in disappointment.
She closed her eyes. Feeling the touch of the wind passing by the veranda of her room. It wasn't long after she heard a chatter from the entrance of Margaret's home.
It was Henry with his father, Emmanuel. They have just returned home from fishing.
Lily had no idea what they were talking about, but she knows it was something hilarious. The glint in Henry's eyes as he laughed, making his deep brown eyes not quite visible somehow made her feel bad.
His broad shoulders, bronzed by the sun, carried the weight of his labor effortlessly, while his tousled hair framed his overall irresistible allure. For some reason, Lily instantly noticed the sweat falling down his temple.
She hurriedly run downstairs, with a towel at hand. As Henry stepped inside, she handed it to him, her cheeks tinged with pink.
"Thank you, Lily," Henry said, his voice warm and appreciative.
Their fingers brushed briefly, and both blushed, momentarily lost in each other's eyes. These small interactions made Lily feel lighter, as if the weight of her past heartache with Cedric was never there. Henry's presence somehow made her forget him.
That night, as Lily prepared for bed, Henry fetched her to her room.
"Good night, Henry," she said softly, closing her door.
She leaned against it, closing her eyes and feeling her heart race. She daydreamed about Henry, realizing she might be better off accepting her fate and embracing this new life with him and his family.
Despite the initial culture shock, Lily started adapting to the new life she has. She has started helping Margaret in the tailor shop, learning to sew and mend garments. The simplicity of the village life was a stark contrast to her fast-paced world, but she found herself growing accustomed to it. She also spent time with Henry, who showed her the village and taught her the basics of fishing. It was fun, even refreshing actually. Compared to the life she used to have in the city, juggling multiple part times just to survive.
Gradually, Lily accepted that maybe this is her new life now. Maybe there was nothing she could do to return home, and just keep on living at the moment.
The next day was Henry's birthday. Lily decided to make a special present for Henry, hoping to express her growing feelings for him.
After a day of celebrations with family and friends, the village quieted down. Lily took the opportunity to ask Henry to meet her at the shore.
The night was serene, with the moon casting a silver glow over the sea. Lily stood there, staring at the water, her thoughts swirling.
Henry approached silently, his steps soft on the sand. When he reached her, he embraced her from behind.
"There you are," he murmured. "Why did you call me here?"
Lily turned to face him, her heart pounding.
"I needed a moment alone with you. I have something for you, by the way."
She handed him a small parcel wrapped in parchment paper.
"Happy birthday, Henry." Her eyes sparkled.
Henry unwrapped the gift, revealing a beautifully embroidered handkerchief with his name stitched into it. He looked at her, his eyes shining with gratitude.
"Lily, this is wonderful. I am most grateful."
She took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly.
"Henry, you've been so kind to me, helping me adjust to this place, making me feel welcome. I don't know what I would have done without you and your family. You've made me realize that maybe I can find happiness here."
Henry's expression softened, and he pulled her into a warm embrace.
They held each other, the sound of the waves crashing the shore somehow made the night felt warm. Lily closed her eyes.
"I... I still have one more thing to tell you."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"Uh... I..."
Before Lily could say a word, she opened her eyes. Suddenly a flicker of light in the distance made her unclasped from Henry's arms. Her brow furrowed.
"Henry, look," she said, pointing. "There are soldiers coming this way."
Henry turned to see the approaching torches. "Stay here," he said firmly. Pulling Lily behind his back.
As the soldiers drew nearer, Lily's heart raced with a mix of fear and curiosity. Who are these soldiers? What could they want at this hour?
"That's her!" A bearded middle aged man, the only one wearing a fancy suit along with the soldiers pointed behind Henry.
Lily instantly realized that the man was referring to her. She burried her face even more in Henry's back.
"Who sent you here? Who are you after?" Henry's voice echoed. He might have felt the fear in Lily's hands creasing his shirt.
"Oh... Lady Lillian, we see you. You do not need to worry now. We are here to fetch you." The middle aged man said.
Lillian? Who is Lillian?
Lily peeked her eyes at the man who just spoke.
Henry slightly flinched and held her hands tight. "Stay there, I shall take care of this."
"No, what did he just say? Lillian? Who's that?" She whispered to Henry. Confused.
When Henry realized it, too, his furrowed eyebrows gradually rose in consideration.
"Pardon me Sir, you might have been mistaken her for someone else. Her name is Lily," Henry slowly raised his hand and glanced at Lily. "We do not know any Lillian in this village."
The soothing tone of assurance in Henry's voice made Lily sigh in relief. She slowly loosened her grip on Henry's back and finally made her appearance. Her long emerald hair placing her back as she faces them.
"He's right. My name is Lily Cooper, for your information," She crossed her arms. "So, if you may? Please leave us now."
Despite her lingering anxiety about her surroundings, Lily mustered the courage to speak up. She expected the man to apologize and leave, but her words seemed to fall on deaf ears. They showed no sign of concern or intention to leave.
Rather, her words only made the man look even more serious.
"Haha! certainly you are not... " He chuckled, raising one of his hands. "Velmor!" He called.
One of the soldiers came out.
The soldier handed the man a parchment. Without glancing at it himself, he slowly unfolded it, revealing its contents to Henry and Lily.
Henry looked at Lily, nothing was coming out of his mouth, but his eyes were full of questions.
"Wha..."
In the parchment paper, there was a drawn face of a woman. Her eyes were quite big and her lips were heart shaped, making her small nose balanced her overall features. Beneath the figure were list of details.
Long hair... the color of leaves
Fair complexion
Tall as a willow
Only a few details were read by them, but it was enough to widen Lily's eyes in surprise.
"Lillian Ashbourne..?"